Turnovers Sink Gulls, 13-3
Sept. 15, 2007
BEVERLY, MA - Despite out gaining the Massachusetts Maritime Academy by nearly 90 yards, the Endicott College Football team suffered a, 13-3, loss on Saturday at Endicott Stadium. The Gulls had trouble holding onto the football, leading to five turnovers in the losing effort.
Massachusetts Maritime opened the scoring at the 6:58 mark of the first quarter as Joe DeFrank (Morgantown, PA) found Joe St. Pierre (Beverly, MA) in the end zone for a five-yard touchdown completion. After a missed extra point, the Buccaneers held a 6-0 advantage.
Endicott marched down the field on their next drive but could not convert on third-and short and was forced to punt. Drew Cusato (Merrimack, NH/Merrimack) had 3 rushes for 26 yards on the drive.
After Endicott's defense forced a three-and-out, the Gulls once again drove down the field, this time having something to show for it. Kicker Christopher Brennan (East Longmeadow, MA/East Longmeadow) put the Gulls on board as he nailed a 25 yard field goal, cutting the lead in half, 6-3.
With three minutes remaining in the opening half, DeFrank connected with St. Pierre again in the end zone, this time for a seven yard touchdown. Mass Maritime compiled a 13 play, 52 yard drive that ate up 5:39 off the clock. The Buccaneers Brett Badger (N. Attleboro, MA) converted the extra point, sending the visitors into the half with a, 13-3, advantage.
The Endicott defense stepped-up to the challenge as the Gulls held Mass. Maritime to a quick three-and-out, giving the home squad a much needed momentum burst. Drew Cusato rushed for consecutive positive yard runs while quarterback Alex Smith (East Longmeadow, MA/East Longmeadow) found a groove with wideout Aaron Santos (Cambridge, MA/Cushing Academy) in the form of a 13-yard first down completion. Following a Mass. Maritime personal foul, the Gulls found themselves with a first down deep inside Buccaneer territory. However, on third-and-three, Jim Erlwein (Livingston Manor, NY) sacked Smith for a loss of 13 yards, forcing the Gulls to punt.
Once again, the Gulls defense buckled down and forced the visitors to kick the ball away. Aaron Santos returned the ensuing punt 20 yards, tight roping the sideline before stepping out of bounds. The Gulls rushed 12 yards down the field but were unable to capitalize when Brennan narrowly missed a 31 yard field goal attempt, wide right.
The fourth quarter was much the same as both team's defenses refused to give an inch. The Gulls best chance to get into the end zone came on a 16 play, 73 yard drive. However, on third-and-short, Cusato was stripped by Mike Dangoia (Bridgewater, MA). Kyle Audette (Dartmouth, MA) recovered the loose ball, which was the Gulls fourth lost fumble of the day. That all but ended the day for the Gulls, who had 21 first downs to Mass Maritime's 11.
On the ground, the Gulls were led by Drew Cusato, who carried the ball 23 times for 105 yards. Aaron Santos, who walked onto the team this year, caught seven balls for 99 yards, while fellow receiver Ryan MacLean (Mansfield, MA/Mansfield) compiled six catches for 87 yards. Under center, Alex Smith was 23-of-39 for 237 yards with an interception.
The Buccaneers were led by Joe DeFrank. The Mass. Maritime signal caller was 15-of-19 for 131 yards and two scores. On the ground, Mass Marirtime was paced by NEFC Honor Roll member Keith Berthiaume (Lunenburg, MA), who carried the ball 18 times for 68 yards. St. Pierre rushed the ball for 16 yards on five carries and had 41 yards receiving to go along with his two touchdowns.
The Gulls (0-2, 0-0 NEFC) head to Salve Regina this Saturday for a 6:30 PM showdown with the Seahawks. The Buccaneers host Worcester State on Saturday at 2:30 PM.
Game Notes: The Gulls defeated the Buccaneers 34-0 last year on September 16th... Endicott's Joe DePamphilis (Winthrop, MA/Savio Prep) and Buccaneers A.J. Flemmi (Braintree, MA) both had 11.5 tackles. Andrew Pochebit (Portland, ME/Cheverus) had his first career interception. St. Pierre, who scored both touchdowns for the Buccaneers, is from Beverly, MA.